By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
At least five people have reportedly died after a military helicopter crushed at the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot.
Reports indicate that the helicopter was carrying at least 8 people, including Chief of Defense Forces General Francis Ogolla.
According to multiple mainstream media outlets, Gen Ogolla was in the company of other senior military officers for an assessment of the security situation in the region that has faced cases of bandit attacks.
The assessment, NTV reports, was in preparation for the opening of schools in the area closed due to insecurity.
Details of the identity of the other military personnel who were in the ill-fated helicopter remain scanty.
The status of the CDF also remains unknown.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura in a post on his verified X handle said a statement will be issued soon.
He however asked Kenyans to remain calm and stop any speculations.
“Dear fellow Kenyans. An official communication concerning the Military Aircraft Crush shall be issued soon. Let’s stay calm and avoid any speculation whatsoever at this critical juncture,” Mwaura said.
President William Ruto named Gen Francis Ogolla the new Chief of Defence Forces in changes in the military announced in April 2023.
Ogolla took over from General Robert Kibochi who departed after attaining the mandatory exit age of 62.
Before the appointment, General Ogolla was the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed later in the afternoon said the President has convened an urgent National Security Council meeting following the accident.
“President William Ruto has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi this evening following a Kenya Defence Forces’ helicopter crash this afternoon in Elgeyo-Marakwet County,” Hussein said in a post on his verified X handle.
No official communication has been made yet regarding the incident.
More to follow…